Top 7 Traits that make Filipino Seafarers Highly Employable

Filipinos dominate the global seafaring industry, accounting for around 30 percent of the world’s seafarers. Vice Admiral (Ret) Robert Empedrad, administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority, explains why this is so to Liz Lagniton, Philippine correspondent, Maritime Fairtrade.

Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority

The Philippines has been the world’s biggest supplier of seamen since 1987, making the Southeast Asian nation the manning capital of the world, with Filipinos accounting for approximately 30 percent of the world’s 1.6 million seafarers.

While shipowners are hiring more sailors from Vietnam, Myanmar and China in recent years, the majority of ships’ crew remains Filipinos, even with the going wage rate of US$1,000 per month, compared to the $600 to $800 per month for Indonesians.

Building a good reputation

Seafarers from the Philippines remain the favorite crew of many shipping companies, more than any other nationality, according to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

“The crew preference of many foreign shipowners are seafarers from the Philippines, and the demand increased…